Aqua Vitae 2005 Laphroaig 18 year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aqua Vitae 2005 Laphroaig 18 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a powerful and distinctive Islay release, distilled at Laphroaig in 2005 and matured for 18 years before being bottled in 2023. Selected by Taiwanese independent bottler Aqua Vitae for the Whisky Chill Kaohsiung series, this single cask was matured in a Sherry Hogshead, bringing together Laphroaig’s unmistakable medicinal peat and maritime character with the darker fruit, spice and richness of sherry maturation. Limited to only 202 bottles and bottled at 51.1%, it is a compelling example of mature Laphroaig with a distinctly sherried influence.

Distillery: Laphroaig Distillery
Bottler: Aqua Vitae
Series: Whisky Chill Kaohsiung
Age: 18 Years Old
ABV: 51.1%
Cask Type: Sherry Hogshead
Cask Number: 05001
Outturn: 202 Bottles 

Founded in Taiwan in 2016, Aqua Vitae is an independent whisky bottler recognised for personally selecting individual casks across a broad spectrum of styles and ages. The philosophy behind the bottler centres on maintaining quality and individuality rather than selecting whisky purely on age or rarity, with releases ranging from younger character-driven malts to exceptionally mature and scarce single casks. This 2005 Laphroaig was selected for the Whisky Chill Kaohsiung series and represents Aqua Vitae’s approach to showcasing distinctive distillery character through carefully chosen single casks.

Tasting Notes:
Dense waves of coastal peat smoke, charcoal and medicinal herbs emerge alongside dark dried fruits, citrus peel and rich sherry sweetness. The palate is oily and powerful, layering smoked malt, brine and earthy peat with stewed fruits, dark chocolate, toasted nuts and warming spice. Hints of leather, tobacco and charred oak gradually develop beneath the smoke, leading into a long, warming finish of lingering peat embers, salted citrus, dried fruit and peppery oak spice.